We are all biological ticking time clocks. The concept of this piece revolves around the idea of “lifespan” and preservation. A final assignment for Body and Object, you are to take a common object and make it into something other then what it is used for. I used the image of the syringe as the focal point to create the image of a tree which is symbolic for growth and existence. I wanted to make the tree into veins that were being injected by the needles. They act as branches in a space that is surreal. The space the isolated tree sits in is to suggest that in death you are alone and that in life, sometimes it is important to be just that: alone.
The concept goes further as it touches upon author Arundhati Roy’s quote from The God of Small Things, as she states, “We all know that one day we will die, but we live as though we won’t”. The mechanical contraption at the bottom acts as the roots or core of the tree’s existence, just like the human heart. The time is no longer ticking, which represents the loss of life or something that once kept you alive. The mechanics of the tree is almost cyborg like, which can relate to the life of a machine being made to work forever. We as humans are not built to live forever, yet we all work hard to hold onto every last breath of our lives. Life is sometimes cherished. Life is sometimes thrown away. When sickness or illness arises, we attempt to find a cure. We are always trying ways to hold onto this life we live. I believe that we have our time to be and exist and it is okay to say goodbye. It is okay to move on from the things we find comfortable and to bring in something new. I think that it is essential that we find refuge in the fact that we will not be here forever and to make the most of the gifts we have in front of us.
The material used for this piece consisted of the use of paper, thread ,nails, wires, syringes, watch leather straps, clear medical tubes, circuits and parts of batteries. The scale of the work is to be a one on one interaction with the viewer. I want the piece to stand isolated and alone with no sound and no movement. I want a minimalist reflection in regards to the message it will send out. The thought of having the numbers descend was something I thought about connecting with a battery. I wanted a formal presentation done in a simple frame. I want people to go up close to the image presented and look at the symbol of a tree as their lives.
I want people to just feel again.
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